Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has been awarded a consultancy contract to help the Scottish construction industry become familiar with Building Information Modelling (BIM).

The GCU secured the deal in partnership with the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT).

BIM is a computer generated model containing graphical and tabular information about the design, construction and operation of a project.

It is accessible by all parties involved in the development, from architects and engineers to manufacturers and suppliers.

The Government's new Construction Strategy, which requires collaborative Level 2 BIM on all of its projects by 2016, was announced in 2011.

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The Scottish Construction Procurement Group is aiming to adopt Level 2 BIM in the country by April 2017.

GCU's experts will work in partnership with the construction industry to develop knowledge/deliver consultancy and training on implementing BIM.

In addition, GCU will help SFT understand the benefits and barriers to the wider adoption of BIM, while supporting the development of future industry guidance.

Colin Murchison, Associate Dean (Business Development), GCU's School of Engineering and Built Environment, said: "The Government strategy has generated a lot of interest in BIM within the construction industry. However, a large section of industry still appears to be struggling to find its feet as to what it needs to have in place before BIM-based projects become a mainstream reality.

"There are various prerequisites that need to be in place, mostly in relation to process protocols and standards, before the UK Government's ambitions for achieving the productivity and other improvements through BIM can be achieved.

"One of the key factors to achieving successful supply-chain integration in the construction sector is the accuracy, effective flow and intelligent use of information, which BIM will encourage."

(LM/MH)